Smoked BBQ Pizza

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Smoked BBQ Pizza stands out with its irresistible combination of sweet, tangy barbecue sauce, smoky flavor from the grill or smoker, and endless topping options. The crust gets a beautiful char, the cheese melts to perfection, and the whole pie takes on an authentic BBQ twist. It’s fun to make, customizable, and brings a whole new flavor experience to pizza night.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• Barbecue sauce (your favorite kind)
• Cooked smoked meat (like pulled pork, smoked chicken, or brisket)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Red onion (thinly sliced)
• Pickled jalapeños (optional)
• Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Olive oil
• Cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 450°F using indirect heat, with wood chips or pellets for added smoke flavor.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer to a pizza stone or a sheet of parchment paper dusted with cornmeal.
3. Lightly brush the dough with olive oil and pre-bake it on the smoker or grill for 3–5 minutes to firm it up.
4. Spread a generous layer of barbecue sauce over the crust.
5. Add your smoked meat evenly across the surface.
6. Sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then add red onion slices and jalapeños if using.
7. Return the pizza to the smoker and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Top with fresh herbs if desired, then slice and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes one 12-inch pizza, serving 2 to 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Use different meats like BBQ chicken, shredded beef, or even sausage.
• Swap mozzarella with gouda or smoked provolone for more smokiness.
• Add toppings like corn, green peppers, or crispy bacon.
• Try a spicy BBQ sauce or mix with hot sauce for extra heat.
• Make it vegetarian by using BBQ jackfruit and skipping the meat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a toaster oven, oven, or skillet over medium heat to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make this pizza without a smoker?

Yes, you can use a regular grill or even an oven, though you’ll miss out on the deep smoky flavor. Use smoked meats or smoked cheese to mimic the taste.

What’s the best wood for smoking pizza?

Fruit woods like apple, cherry, or hickory work great and complement BBQ flavors well.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely. Pre-made dough is a great time-saver and works just as well as homemade.

Do I need a pizza stone for this recipe?

A pizza stone helps create a crispy bottom crust, but you can also use a baking sheet or grill-safe pan.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Sweet and tangy sauces pair well with cheese and smoky meats, but spicy or mustard-based sauces can also add a unique twist.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the grill or stone?

Use cornmeal or flour on your surface and lightly oil the dough before placing it on the grill.

Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free pizza dough and ensure your BBQ sauce and toppings are gluten-free too.

What cheese melts best on BBQ pizza?

Mozzarella is classic, but cheddar, gouda, or provolone all work great for adding flavor and texture.

How do I keep the crust from burning?

Use indirect heat on the grill or smoker, and don’t place the dough directly over flames. Rotate as needed for even cooking.

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

You can prep the dough and toppings ahead, but it’s best cooked fresh for the best crust and flavor.

Conclusion

Smoked BBQ Pizza brings bold flavor, smoky aroma, and irresistible texture to the table—making it a must-try for pizza and barbecue lovers alike. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to something special, this pizza delivers a deliciously smoky twist on a classic favorite that’s sure to impress every time.

Smoked BBQ Pizza

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Smoked BBQ Pizza is a smoky, cheesy twist on classic pizza, featuring barbecue sauce, smoked meat, and melty cheese, all cooked to perfection on a grill or smoker. It’s bold, flavorful, and great for outdoor meals or pizza night with a twist.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 30–35 minutes
• Yield: 1 (12-inch) pizza
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grill/Smoker
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup cooked smoked meat (pulled pork, smoked chicken, or brisket)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 450°F (232°C) using indirect heat. Add wood chips or pellets for a smoky flavor.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface. Transfer to a pizza stone or parchment paper dusted with cornmeal.
3. Brush the dough lightly with olive oil and pre-bake it on the smoker or grill for 3–5 minutes until slightly firm.
4. Spread barbecue sauce evenly over the crust.
5. Top with smoked meat, mozzarella, cheddar, red onion, and jalapeños (if using).
6. Place the pizza back on the smoker and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden and crisp.
7. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, slice, and serve.

Notes

• Use sweet or spicy BBQ sauce to match your flavor preference.
• A pizza stone helps achieve a crispy crust, but you can also use a cast-iron pan or grill-safe tray.
• Pre-cooked smoked meats work great and save time.
• If you’re using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature before rolling out for easier handling.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 pizza
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: undefined
• Unsaturated Fat: undefined
• Trans Fat: undefined
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 60mg